The Fourth of July is a national holiday to celebrate this country's freedom from Britain. In 1776, Black people were not free or equal. It's two hundred forty-six years later and while chattel slavery is no longer legal, Black people are still not free or equal.

Since this is a national holiday, many people have this day off from work. Some families and friends will gather for a cookout. There will be parades, fireworks displays, and sales at brick-and-mortar stores as well as online. 

Today is a good day to make sure your voting status is up-to-date and to watch the video of legendary actor James Earl Jones delivering Frederick Douglass's famous speech "What to the Slave is the 4th of July?"